It’s Lazy Sunday’s 3rd birthday and Atiya Masala of Addiction Jewelry has released this very pretty Wish Upon a Star set in three different stones to celebrate the events birthday. Each set costs just $75L and you can buy it in Pearl, Aquamarine and Amethyst.

Surprisingly I am wearing the pearl rather than Amethyst set (given my addition to all things purple) but it goes really nicely with the Chaitra dress which is currently available at FaMESHed this month so I chose the pearl but will wear all three sets I am sure.

I am a little in love with my skin by Belleza for this weekends Fifty Linden Friday event. Its very girlie and natural looking and I thought goes perfectly with my Caprice hair by Truth.

There are lots of designers releasing items for the Lazy Sunday Birthday event and i’m off shopping to buy lots of gorgeousness!

The Outfit
Dress: Zaara : [Mesh] Chaitra chiffon dress *roses* @ FaMESHed May
Jewellery: Addiction Wish Upon A Star Set – Pearl for Lazy Sunday 3rd Birthday
Hair: TRUTH Caprice – dark browns
Skin: -Belleza- Chic Skin for Fifty Linden Friday 10.05.13

She is my best friend and my mom. She really listens to me and gives me the best advice, serious or shopping-wise. She gives me unending support in all I do and makes me laugh. We’ve  had so many amazing adventures together and I’m grateful for everything, from time to clothing, that she’s given me. I know that I’d be lost without her.

So thank you, Mom, for being the best mom out there. I hope some day when I have children of my own that I can be half as good of a mom as you. And to all the other moms out there and in my life, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Meillä oli pöytä yläkerran parvelta josta kirkkaalla ilmalla näkisi varmaan Tallinnaan asti. Nyt on herkuteltu, pieni päivälepo ja vielä treenaamaan illalla supertyttöjen kanssa.

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Eilinen meni futisturnauksessa Lauttasaaressa, jossa mä pääsin vajavaisine (lue olemattomin) futistaidoin peruuttamaan ja valmentamaan PPJ:n kaksi ekaa peliä. Tärkein oppi: varmista että pelaajat tietävät mitä paikkaa he pelaavat. Hauska päivä kokonaisuudessaan aurinkoisella Pyrkän kentällä.

seitsemänvuotiaan jengi hävisi kaksi peliä ja voitti kaksi. Upean mitalin ja diplomin kanssa oli kiva tulla kotiin.

:

I’m not a great photographer, I like trying to take good photos but I’m not brilliant technically, so none of these photos are amazing. What I hope they do, is show how I felt walking on that beach, which was mostly joy and uplift.

Rain coming in

I love the ‘mini-cliffs’ that you find on sandy beaches.

Coquet Island

One of the reasons I love this part of the world is that the sky feels so much bigger than in London. I know that people refer to Holy Island as a ‘thin space’ where you are closer to God. That feels wrong to me, God is were you let him be but I think it’s easier to feel that sense of wonder when the sky seems to be everywhere.

Still one of my favourite views

I have been thinking about this for so long and after some deliberation and a false start I can confirm I have a place in this years Royal Parks Half Marathon in London.

This is my first ever half marathon and I have to say I am more than a little bit nervous. I thought I was nervous about running the Mo Run 10K last year but I am more than a little daunted by this prospect.

That said it has been just over a year since I started running so to contemplate a half marathon last May would have been laughable. I really am amazed at how far I have come in such a short space of time (regardless of the winter set backs).

I have a great support network though, Richard is fully behind my decision and understands why I feel the need to run this Half Marathon.

You may recall I cojoulled my friends to sign up for the race with the intention to run as a group. Sadly I did not get a place and some of them did which left me feeling a little guilty.

I have been thinking about a charity to support as I can only get a charity place now and with the recent events (let’s call them 2013 events) I now know the charity I want to support.

I am therefore announcing I am running for the British Heart Foundation on the 6th October.

I have a fundraising target and I would very much like all your support to not only help me reach this target but to help me raise as much as I can to help such a worthwhile charity.

My mum was recently taken ill and ended up going into hospital for an angioplasty (her fourth such operation).

The maternal side of the family all suffer from coronary problems and my mum has been through the wars the last couple of years. Mum however has been fortunate and survived all of her procedures – her siblings have not been so lucky.

My parents have found help in the literature and support the BHF offer and I have had my mind put at rest by the informative and supportive information on their web site.

It is because of this (and many others reasons ) that I have chosen to run for the British Heart Foundation.

Paul and I are already working on getting me up to pace for the Richmond 10K at the beginning of June and I am sure Janice, Enda and Em (to name but a few) will do all they can to encourage me towards my 21K target.

I have no doubt my friends will support me and my training efforts and I am sure those who I talked into running the Royal Parks Half will be pleased to hear that I will be running alongside them (or maybe a little behind them as they are all super fit!).

I will charge up the Kindle and re read the Half Marathon Guide I downloaded months ago and start to think about how I can achieve my running target. I am however not going to obsess over it as the race is not until October and I have more than enough time to train.

I am asking for your support to help me reach my target and I am sure you won’t let me down. I have set up a Virgin Money Giving page to raise funds online as they do not take a cut in the proceeds (unlike Just Giving). I would like to see every penny I raise to go to the charity.

And before you ask, no I am not planning on running a full marathon in the future!

Please sponsor me.

The two current racing carnivals fit the same category. Brisbane has stuck fat to its dates since hats on men were fashionable and Joe Bjelke-Petersen ruled with a pumpkin flavoured iron scone.

Brisbane has built a carnival on a true measurable, great horses…Rough Habit, Ethereal, Thorn Park, Falvelon, Apache Cat, Viewed, Takeover Target, well the last horse … he won wherever Joe Janiak pointed the old horses halter.

Adelaide is the seconder stringer… Cup winners? It’s back to 1992 for Subzero … 2013 Norsqui … he’ll stay longer than your mother in law but he’s no star… Mummify busted a field in a Caulfield Cup then smashed ours when he later broke down…

Adelaide needs to get its carnival in order… take Black Caviar and Takeover Target out of the list of Goodwood winners and it’s a plain…. plainer than the flour Flo used to make pumpkin scones.

Morphettville Races

The group one Goodwood Handicap is the the cousin you don’t like who you have to sit next to on the kid’s table at Christmas. …However all can be forgiven if we extract the winner

Race 7 – Facile Tigre (7) – Jason McLachlan … Jockey – Brad Rawiller $6.00 … each way

Moment Of Change will be keen to throw off the group one bridesmaid nightie. Shamexpress and the handicapper got him in the Newmarket while Black Caviar broke a track record that stood for the best part of 30 years in the Lightning when he finished 2.5 lengths behind the mare.

His trip to Sydney for the Canterbury Stakes was like so many who heard north from Melbourne… disappointing.

The $2.00 on offer for Moment Of Change doesn’t represent much value, making Facile Tigre a bet to nothing at the $8.00 on offer. He’s been set for this race all along with McLachlan choosing to keep the rising 7yo fresh.

Facile Tigre hasn’t run since his he finished second behind Mrs. Onassis in the Oakleigh Plate back in late February.

McLachlan had the option of running in the BTC Cup in Queensland but then he would have to tackle a field containing members of the millionaires stakes club, Buffering, Sea Siren, Spirit Of Boom, Temple Of Boom and Rain Affair. Translation a nice sixth… Queensland Racing doesn’t pay down to sixth.

Brad Rawiller is booked to ride Facile Tigre at 54.5kgs meaning one of two things…his leg has dropped off … or he’s wasting to win a Goodwood Handicap.

Sports Betting

Hawthorn v Sydney – MCG, Saturday 11^th of May, 7.40pm.

Besides being a potentially cracking fixture between last year’s grand finalists this match provides the chance to play commentary bingo.

Jot down the following phrases

Hawthorn is out to avenge the 2012 grand final …

The Swans have a terrible record at the MCG…

Buddy just loves the big stage…

Jarrad McVeigh has grown to be a quality mid-fielder…

Hawthorn must be ruing the day they traded Josh Kennedy…

Watch Jetta take them on

Mitchell is a hard nut

What about the bloods culture?

Anytime one is mentioned take a sip of your drink…if you’re out watching the game leave the car at home…

Hawthorn will beat Sydney tonight and it won’t be close, the $1.90 on offer early in the week is gone now that Mumford is out.

$5.00 for Hawthorn over 39.5 points might not be the worst especially as… Hawthorn is out to avenge the 2012 grand final

… bingo…

scull.

My humans and I woke up this morning to flashes of lightning, crashes of thunder, and the sound of hail pelting our windows. By 7 a.m. my backyard rain gauge already registered more than three inches of rain, and the weather humans say that we can expect this same scenario for the next 48 hours.

So naturally my thoughts turned to sunshine. Here in Louisiana we have had our share of colorful politicians, but one of the most colorful was Jimmie Davis, known as Louisiana’s Singing Governor. You may not have heard of Jimmie Davis, but you probably have heard the famous song he wrote and performed, You Are My Sunshine. You might also enjoy this Ray Charles version of the classic or this happy little rendition by the Magnolia Brass Band, which can even brighten a dreary day like this.

But I have to thank Julianne Victoria, who offers insights for spiritual living on Through the Peacock’s Eyes, for bringing the biggest ray of sunshine to this otherwise rainy day. Miss Julianne had a very auspicious day recently when she received three blogging award nominations. She then gave her nominees the option of choosing which of the three awards each would like. I gave my choice some thought (in between naps, treats, walks, and squirrel chasing), and decided to choose the Sunshine Award, in honor of the sunshine that Miss Julianne brought into the life of her sweet Alaskan Malamute rescue Ku and the sunshine that he now spreads to the world through his beautiful blog Haiku By Ku.

About the Sunshine Award:

This prize is awarded to “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” As an award winner, there are a few rules to follow:

• Thank the person (or dog, as the case may be) who gave this award to you and link to his or her blog.
• Answer the questions below.
• Pass on the award to 10 fabulous bloggers, link their blogs, and let them know you awarded them.

So, here are the things about me . . . my favorites:

• Favorite Color – Purple; my humans gave me a purple collar when I was a tiny puppy, and purple has been my favorite color ever since.

• Favorite Animal – Dogs; did you really expect another answer to that question?
• Favorite Number – 17; I was born on March 17 (which is also my human gran’s birthday) and my human daddy’s birthday is August 17.
• Favorite Drink – That’s a hard one. I like to taste wine and beer and champagne and bourbon and . . . but I’d have to say my favorite drink is water (my vet might be reading this).
• Facebook or Twitter – Twitter; tweet me @thek9harperlee.
• Your Passion – Sticks; I can sit in my back yard and chew on a stick all day long.
• Giving or getting presents – Getting; my humans say I’m more of a Golden Receiver than a Golden Retriever.
• Favorite Day – Everyday; when you’re a Golden Retriever, every day is great.
• Favorite Flowers – Roses; when I was a puppy, I dug up a rose bush my human mommy had just planted and ran around the yard with it like I was crazy. It’s the only slightly destructive thing I’ve ever done. I still love roses, but now I just stop to smell them every chance I get!

And now for my nominees. They are all bloggers I’ve met through BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday blog hop. Thanks to each of you for positively and creatively inspiring me . . . and for getting me through the middle of the week!

• 2 Brown Dawgs Blog
• Cinnamon: Our Spicy Cocker Spaniel
• Cupcake Speaks
• Kirby the Dorkie
• life as alfie
• Paws It On
• Silly Animals
• Sugar the Golden Retriever
• The Chronicles of Wallace & Samuel
• The Princess Tails

Looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.

The husband replied…
“I am on the john. Please advise.”

My wife is on an extended trip and I’m going to see her for a week. I had a very early flight so I decided to spend the night near the airport, which you can likely appreciate if you’ve ever lived in a low population area. I went and grabbed dinner at fuddruckers (not many choices around the airport, though I always find it funny to go there as it reminds me of idiocracy every time) and the streets were empty. It’s kind of surprising since it was quite early, though it’s not a very visited part of town. Walking around I was reminded of my recent unplanned overnight layover in Washington D.C., which I spent roaming the mall and surroundings.

I actually really enjoy roaming an unknown city’s empty street.

According to Nike I ran a famous route which started at the office, across Blackfriars bridge, down the South Bank to the London Eye, across Westminster Bridge and back along the Embankment.

This was just a shade over 4K and appears to be my best 4K to date with a good pace.

Paul was very kind and held back when I needed it (he’s so super fit he ran home after we finished and had been to the gym this morning!).

It was a little busy around the Eye and Westminster with tourists. This is very unusual for me as I run in a rural spot at home and see very few people. Thankfully Paul was ahead some of the way so I followed the path he cut through the crowds.

I did take the lead on some of the run and found myself ducking and diving around the various two legged obstacles.

Oddly running up the Embankment and the traffic is other runners coming the other way.

I definitely want to run London again as this was an exhilarating run and of course there are lots of sights on this route.

I enjoyed running with Paul too – made a change from the normal head space of music and electronic coaches that I am used to. With Paul I kept going and stopped worrying/focusing on my inner monologue of doubt.

He doesn’t know it yet but I’d like to squeeze in at least one run a week I. London as its pretty exhilarating, it’ll get me used to running with Paul and it’ll help me focus.

It was great to run midway through my day as I’d had a shit morning so this allowed me to switch off.

Now I’ve toned up I’m not so self conscious on the work showers either!

I hope we can get some more runs in together before the Richmond 10K on the 1st June and I am confident I will crack the 10K in good form.

Bring on the next run

As summertime approaches I can’t help but being excited about my summer schedule. I have a few trips to Europe planned (Ascona Jazz Fest in Switzerland and the Edingburgh Jazz Fest in Scotland among others), a trip to see my best friend in Denver CO, and something I look forward to EVERY year: teaching at the Litchfield Jazz Camp.

My love for Jazz camp started at an early age when my father was teaching and running the Clark Terry Institute for Jazz Studies in LeMars IA in the 1990′s. The first time I attended must have been in the summer of 1994, just before I turned 9 years old. I played piano in a combo (the lowest combo at the camp!) and in a big band, and I also sang with the vocalists group. I have no idea what we sang together, but I know my solo was “You Stepped Out of a Dream”. That was the year I discovered the idea of playing in 12 keys. I remember my combo teacher, Mike McKenna, taught us a 2-5-1 idea (a turnaround) and told us to learn it in 12 keys that evening, and we would have to play it the next day. I went home and was hoping I’d be able to ask Dad what that meant, but he was busy with administration duties and I had to figure it out myself. It took me ALL EVENING and I only got through 7 keys, but Mike told me I had made a good effort.

My first time at Jazz Camp (I’m on the left)

That summer inspired me to start my own band with kids I had met at camp (and through the CT Institute). We were all under the age of 12 and we met every few weeks or so and rehearsed – I remember the next summer at that same camp we were allowed to perform a few tunes even though we weren’t an official “camp combo”.

My next experience with Jazz camp was when I was a little older. My father was teaching at the Birch Creek Music Academy in Wisconsin and before I entered high school I was allowed to come as a student (I was 14). At this age, camp was AMAZING. I loved playing music all day with people my own age and also being around people who were into the same thing I was into: Jazz. I made some great friends those years, quite a few of us are still really close!

Because of my own wonderful experiences I LOVED the idea of being able to participate in a summer Jazz camp again as I got older, so when Vita Muir invited me to attend the Litchfield Jazz Camp as piano faculty in the summer of 2010 I was THRILLED. The camp at Litchfield lasts for 5 weeks, but each week is a new “camp”, meaning as a student you can come for as many weeks as you like; I usually teach 2 weeks. I teach different classes including an ensemble, theory, masterclasses, and private lessons. My favorite is definitely the ensemble class because that’s where I get to interact the most with the students, and where they can interact the most with eachother. I always start the day off with a listening section, where we listen to records and talk about tunes and different artists. Then we pick a tune (sometimes from the listening), learn it, and at the end of the week all the students perform in a concert. It’s very inspiring to see the students being introduced to the music; it reminds me of how exciting it was for me the first time I heard Count Basie, ,Red Garland, etc.

Last summer, during our listening time, I played them Arnett Cobb’s version of “When I Grow Too Old to Dream” and when it was done, they said, “We want to do that!” I was surprised, because it has a band vocal in it (click the link to hear it on youtube) and usually groups of teenagers don’t want to sing together in public! But I said, “Of course, let’s do it!” We learned the arrangement and the song from the record, and they performed it on the Friday Night Concert. I was so proud and happy to see them develop that week, not only musically but as people too. They were having fun! They were making something their own! They were a BAND!

(there’s actually a youtube performance of their show too)

My ensemble in rehearsal before the big concert

I can’t wait to get back to Litchfield this summer and meet some wonderful new people and experience sharing this music. If you know of a student (it’s an all-ages camp) who might be interested, registration is still open. Hope to see you there!

I will be teaching at Week 1 this year. The camp runs from July 7 – August 9 and registration is open for every week. No auditions required. Visit this link to learn more: http://litchfieldjazzfest.com/jazz-camp/registration-more/registration/

Elementary  is, as the title suggests, a Sherlock Holmes fan fiction – for want of a better word. The writers  have taken the character of Sherlock Holmes, set him in this day and age, taken him to America after he recovers from his addiction to cocaine, and given him a female Watson as the companion hired by Holme’s father to make sure he doesn’t relapse. She is a professional career of recovering drug addicts and an ex surgeon. And so the scene is set.

So why is it my favourite show?

Suburb acting by the main characters, especially Holmes, (Jonny Lee Miller) who brings the character to life just as Sir Arthur wrote him. He is quirky, brilliant, arrogant, personally challenged in respect to sharing anything personal or following normal protocol for social interactions, and he has a soft underbelly that he pretends isn’t there.

There is a scene where he explains to Watson how Irene Adler’s death sent him into a downward spiral of drug abuse. It is one of the most superb pieces of acting I have ever seen – left me with goosebumps. Jonny Lee Miller is now very high on my list of truly excellent actors, (one down from Jonny Depp, who isn’t there just because he looks good .)

Though in female guise, Watson, (Lucy Liu) is also true to form. She is reserved, clinical when she needs to be, has her own ghosts and a fondness for Holmes that isn’t remotely mushy. She is also very intelligent, and as the series has progressed has begun to contribute more and more to solving Holme’s mysteries.

The relationship between them has a plot thread of its own. Watson has been engaged for a set period of time. At the beginning Holmes didn’t want her and made that clear. She had a battle trying to get him to group support meetings, but eventually managed to, but she has yet to convince him to take a sponsor to help keep him clean when she has moved on.  Now, as the time of the end of her contract grows near, Holmes tries different ways to get her to stay. So far she’s not budging. The constant play between them continues through the mystery murder thread and gives the show a psychological depth it wouldn’t otherwise have.

All this rides in an excellent script. (Writer and producer Robert Doherty created the show) The dialogue between Watson and Holmes is particularly good, and includes  a lot of subtext nicely played by the actors. The weekly plots are complex enough not to be simplistic but not unrealistic and often have a surprise element that only Holmes and his trusty side-kick manage to pick up.

On many levels it’s your usual kind of detective murder mystery story; what gives it its edge is exactly what made Sir Arthur Conan Doyle  famous ie the character of Sherlock Holmes.

Can you imagine writing a character than becomes as iconic as Holmes? What is it about him that gives him this longevity in the public imagination? I suspect that it is the contrasting sides of his autism ie brilliance  and  pathological social reticence or ineptitude, that makes him so interesting.

What do you think makes a character iconic?

Nyt on aika chillailla sohvalla Bondin seurassa. Mulla on niin paha aukko sivistyksessä etten oo nähnyt uusinta Bondia, mutta se korjaantuu pian. Ellen nukahda… Ja arvatkaa, mun tekee ihan kauheasti mieli viime viikonlopulta jääneitä Makuunin irtokarkkeja mutta yritän pysyä tiukkana Summer 2013 -challengen ja kapeampien reiden toivossa…